MJ Territo - Mostly jazz standards from the Great American Songbook....

Mostly jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, but she also ventures into Latin, Brazilian, and European music, folk, rock, country, anywhere she can find a song that has a memorable melody and a lyric that tells some nugget of truth about life.

At her performances, she likes to organize at least one set around a theme - could be a composer or lyricist, an idea, shared subject matter. Lately, she's done sets featuring tunes by Johnny Mercer, words and music; Harold Arlen, well, that came right out of Johnny Mercer; and Alec Wilder, whom she wishes were better known and sung more.

Her new CD, Down With Love, features ten tunes that are not about romantic love. The second set at her September 16 gig at The Pizza Place in Yonkers is called "Strictly For The Birds".  Drop by and hear what that's all about. Or if you have a guess about what tunes you'll be hearing, drop me a line at mj@mjterrito.com

 

When she's not singing, MJ enjoys writing lyrics to jazz tunes as well as her own songs. She is also a writer, music educator, and early childhood arts advocate.

A nice Italian-American girl from New Jersey, MJ adored coming to Manhattan with her mother and aunts for shows and shopping and used to cry quietly on the way home when she had to leave the bright lights of the big city. After college she moved to Manhattan and has lived in the New York metro area since then. Between college and now she has been an actress, cabaret singer, book editor, writer of fiction and non-fiction, Music Together teacher and licensee, and Outreach Coordinator for Music Together, LLC.

 

She lives in Yonkers, NY with her husband Richard, her daughter Emma and her Cairn terrier, Wee Willie.

Teaching / Writing

JAZZ JOURNEY (Created by and presented with Grammy-nominated vocalist, Janet Lawson)
An interactive experience for children ages 3 through high school. Age-appropriate adaptations of the journey allow children to participate in activities that teach them about the African roots of jazz and the evolution of America's classical music. Students, and teachers, sing, dance, drum, improvise and have a great time. For more information about Jazz Journey, paste this link into your browser http://janetlawson.hypermart.net/, scroll down to the bottom of the right hand sidebar. 

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION For classical, folk and rock singers: Learn jazz repertoire, rhythms, and improvisation techniques. For instrumentalists: Learn how to accompany singers - why the words matter, how the voice is different from other instruments.

LYRICS Got a favorite jazz head you’d love to sing but there aren’t any words? Set your mood and I’ll write the words. Or let me add custom lyrics to the tune of your choice for a special birthday, anniversary or any special occasion.

SONGS Swinging, nostalgic, bluesy, romantic, name your mood or style.
 EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC INSTRUCTION As a registered Music Together teacher, I can bring this internationally-acclaimed music program to your preschool. EARLY CHILDHOOD

PUBLIC SPEAKING/EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC ADVOCATE I am an experienced speaker about the joys and benefits of music in early childhood, particularly for children in need and children with special needs. I am available to address preschool educators, education students, policy makers, and the general public.

THE WRITE STUFF I've published more than 20 books, fiction and non-fiction. I can ghost your book, write website and/or promotional copy. I am also available for reviews, articles, grant applications.

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

The Pizza Place, 7 pm - 9 pm

92 Main Street
Yonkers New York 10701
USA 914-709-1050

Price: No Cover Charge

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Bronxville Women's Club, 8 pm

135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville New York 10708
USA (914) 337-3252